New Applications Of Three-dimensional Data Acquisition, Modelling, And Printing In Animal Sciences: A Case Report

Author

Date of Issue

2016

Conference Name

Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Progress in Additive Manufacturing (Pro-AM 2016)

Research Centre

Singapore Centre for 3D Printing

Version

Published version

Abstract

Precision phenotyping is a new approach to improve the selection and management of farm animals, and consequently livestock production, productivity, and wellbeing. It requires new tools to obtain large amounts of biometric data. This work aims to investigate the feasibility of the rapid generation of 3D models for the recovery, analysis, and storage of biometric information in cattle. Structured infrared light scanning was used to obtain 3D data of dairy cows, and digital models were created using a real-time 3D scanning software and edited with a software for processing triangular meshes. Measurements and comparisons were performed using a 3D inspection and metrology software. Physical models were generated by additive manufacturing and laser scanned to evaluate differences to the original 3D models. Animal movement limited the quality of whole body scans as expected, though useful partial body scans were obtained from areas of interest, such as the thurl and udder. Biometric measurements in 3D models presented slight differences compared to the ones made in live animals, and were consistent with results of other works, such as subjective scoring or ultrasonography. Comparing 3D models from different animals by superposition was useful to demonstrate the pattern of deposition or mobilization of subcutaneous fat. Finally, the 3D printed models showed minor differences when re-digitalized and compared to the original 3D models. Results show that 3D data acquisition, modelling, and printing techniques can be used to obtain biometric information from cattle, as well producing physical models for research and educational purposes.